Ba 349 Natter

Ba 349 Natter refers to the surviving launch sites of a German rocket-powered interceptor from the closing months of the Second World War, tucked away in the Hasenholz forest near Kirchheim unter Teck. This is a stop for visitors drawn to unusual military history — not a museum with artifacts on display, but genuine concrete structures where, in 1945, crews waited for a launch order that never came.

What exactly was the Natter?

The Bachem Ba 349 Natter was one of the most desperate aircraft projects of the German war effort: a small rocket-powered fighter designed to launch vertically, without a runway, straight up from a fixed launch tower. The concept prioritized simplicity — a cheap wooden airframe, a rocket engine, and a pilot guided by ground control via radio for most of the flight. Its mission was to close in on incoming Allied bomber formations and fire volleys of unguided rockets at them. After the attack, both the pilot and the recoverable engine were meant to descend on separate parachutes, while the rest of the wooden fuselage was destroyed on impact.

The aircraft never reached operational combat use in the way it was designed for. Its only piloted test flight took place on 1 March 1945 and ended in the death of the pilot, Lothar Sieber, after the machine failed to cope with the forces generated right after launch.

Why is this site near Kirchheim unter Teck?

In the spring of 1945, as part of an effort codenamed "Krokus," three launch positions for combat-ready Natters were built in the Hasenholz forest. The launch towers were spaced roughly 120 meters apart, allowing several aircraft to take off in quick succession if Allied bombers approached the Stuttgart region.

That attack never happened. Instead of bombers overhead, Allied tanks arrived on the ground. Seeing the front line closing in, the crews blew up their own aircraft and withdrew. Not a single Natter ever launched in combat from this site.

What will you actually see there?

All three launch positions have survived in good condition and remain freely accessible — no fences, ticket booths, or guided tours. What's left are concrete platforms and launch-tower foundations, now half-absorbed into the forest, still showing the rough, improvised character typical of late-war military construction. The site has little formal tourist signage, so it helps to look up the exact coordinates of each position beforehand.

How do you get there?

The Hasenholz forest sits right next to Kirchheim unter Teck, a town east of Stuttgart. The easiest approach is by car, parking at the edge of the forest and continuing on foot along the local forest trails. It also makes a good short walking or cycling destination for anyone already exploring the Kirchheim unter Teck area.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the site is forested and the paths are unpaved, spring, summer, or early autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when the ground is dry and easy to walk. Plan your visit during daylight hours — the area has no lighting and only minimal signage after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see an actual Ba 349 Natter aircraft at the site? No — only the launch positions survive near Kirchheim unter Teck, not the aircraft itself. Replicas of the Natter are displayed in aviation museum collections elsewhere.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the launch sites in the Hasenholz forest are open to the public and free to visit, with no ticket office or visitor center on-site.

Is the site clearly marked for tourists? Signage is minimal, so it's worth checking the exact location of the three launch positions on a map before setting out.

How long does a visit take? Walking to all three sites and back typically takes about an hour, depending on your pace and the forest route you choose.